Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale Slated

By ANDREIA MEDLIN
Staff Writer
Just say no to romance – novels.
The Friends of the library annual book sale is just around the corner and books are needed.
“We need books,” said Joann Staulcup of the Friends of the Library. “The book sale is coming up in September and we need donations.”
Although books of any genre or subject are welcome, the non-profit group are particular when it comes to certain aspects of the books they will take.
“We want good, clean, quality books,” Staulcup said in regards to the physical characteristics of the books and added, “If your dog has chewed on it, we don't want it.” Paperbacks are most desired and Large Print books are also among the coveted.
“We seem to have a lot of macular degeneration in this area,” as Staulcup related that she had met “...at least 15 people,” with the eye disease which causes a gradual loss of vision.
While hardcovers are most valued by some book collectors, they can be cumbersome for elderly or infirm readers.
“Hardcovers are too heavy for some elderly people to hold,” Staulcup explained that the weight makes them awkward and thus less desirable.
In the past mass marketed romance novels such as Harlequin or Silhouette were very popular, a trend that continues today, but being popular can have its drawbacks. “People have brought in boxes full of them,” said Staulcup. “But nobody buys them. So we really don't need them or Reader's Digest Condensed Books.”
Big sellers at past book sales include: Westerns – always the most popular, especially among male readers, mysteries and Amish fiction.
In comparison with retail prices of $8 to $10 or more for a paperback and twice or more as much for hardcovers, prices at the sale are a real bargain. “It's the best prices for the best cause,” according to Staulcup.
Books of all categories are needed and will be priced according to size, age and value.
Current hardcover fiction and non-fiction less than a year old will be $5, those more than a year old will be $4. Paperbacks will run anywhere from $1to 50 cents depending on size and age.
Large coffee table and art books will be price as marked.
All proceeds go to the Howard County Library and help with expenses beyond their budget. “We've bought computer chairs, computers, a people counter, it helps with the Summer Reading program and it enhances literacy in Howard County,” Staulcup said and added, “It keeps the patrons happy.”
The sale takes place in the basement of the Library located at 500 Main Street, 264-2260. Fax: 432-264-2263. e-mail: reference@howardcountytx.com[2], it is slated for Sept. 19, 20 and 21 and will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Sunday the sale will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Donations can be taken to the Library and if you have a lot don't worry, help is available. “Just go into the Library and one of the employees will help you bring them in,” said Staulcup.
For more information about the sale call Joann Staulcup at 263-4980 or the Library at 264-2260. .